Jersey youth wage will not be introduced

A lower minimum wage for young people in Jersey will not be introduced after the government decided it would not create more jobs.

Social Security Minister Senator Francis Le Gresley had hoped the youth rate would give young people a "foot in the door".

But he accepted recommendations from the Employment Forum that it would not be a "quick fix to youth unemployment".

The States is to monitor other projects to help people get into work.

Helen Ruelle, chair of the Employment Forum said: "Evidence would have to demonstrate that a youth rate would be likely to have a positive impact on youth unemployment, taking into account the employment market as a whole.

"Having considered the outcomes of independent research, we unanimously concluded that a youth rate would not provide a quick fix to youth unemployment."

Senator Le Gresley said: "I have agreed not to propose a youth rate at this time. We will need to monitor the success of our other initiatives to help people of all ages into work."

After leaving school all employees are entitled to either the minimum wage of £6.48 per hour, or the trainee rate of £4.86.